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How to Sow Corn

Growing corn is extremely easy provided you have enough space. Corn is wind-pollinated and SE varieties do not need isolation. Set up more than one row to ensure pollination- a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Isolate varieties when recommended (Sh2's), by planting corn seeds at least 250 feet apart, or select varieties that mature at least 2 weeks apart. Sow corn seed 1" deep, 5 to 6 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.

How to Grow Corn

When corn seedlings are 3-5" tall and healthy, thin to 1-foot apart. Give plants 1-2" of water every week. Suckers tend to form at the base of the plants; they help support the stalks and make food for the plant. The stalks may have to be staked in windy areas, but in general they are self-supporting.

Harvesting Corn

Ears of corn are ready to harvest about 17-20 days after the silks appear. The corn kernels should be firm and milky when cut open. Firmly grip the ear and twist downward to harvest. Take care not to break the plant as harvesting the first ear or the second ear (when present) will not develop.